Page 114 of Cursed Evermore
“Moonshine tonic, straight from the moondust fountains of the Aethermist Realm. Drink the entire bottle tonight. It will help restore your magic.”
I stared at the vial, transfixed. “That sounds amazing.”
“It’s powerful stuff. That said, it will still take some time for your powers to return because portaling can be a real bitch.”
I chuckled. She sounded a little like Emabelle and I suppose myself, too. “Portaling was quite terrifying. I’m not surprised it burned me out.”
“We don’t even start learning about portaling at the academy until we’re at least a level ten.”
My interest piqued. “I didn’t know there were levels. And there’s an academy?”
She settled more comfortably and smiled. “Oh, right. I forgot you didn’t know. Yes, there are levels and we have a couple of academies across Vaelthorne. In Galaythia, the main one for mages is Hyxian. It’s predominantly for mages like us from the Ravenwood and Aethermist realms. The levels go from one to twenty for mages in training.”
“Wow. That sounds so intriguing. I would have loved to go to a mage academy.”
“Hyxian is the best. My time there was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. I’d love to take you there if we get a chance.”
A spark of excitement filled me, followed swiftly by guilt. I didn’t want to feel anything positive about this nightmare, but I was a sucker for magic.
“I would love that,” I said in an even tone, trying not to share too much of my excitement.
“Great. We’ll go the first chance we get.”
The promise warmed something inside me. It would be amazing to go to such a place. Even for a few minutes. For someone as magically starved as me it would mean everything.
I wondered what kind of life I would have had if I’d lived in the magical realm. I was certain that going to a mage academy would have been a great experience for me too.
Neither Mother nor Grandmother told me about the academies. Maybe for good reason. They knew it would hurt me that I couldn’t go. Especially when I’d loathed the ordinary schools I’d attended.
“I’m guessing you’re at level twenty,” I said, deciding to keep the conversation going.
“Not exactly.” Unease flickered across her features again. “I don’t have a rank. Before you attend the academy they assess you. My magic was … a little beyond the levels so I was placed inthe Elite division. I guess that worked well since the elite mages serve in the royal courts of the kingdoms.”
I raised my brows, fascinated. “Your magic was beyondallthe levels?”
“Yeah. But… I’m still growing into my powers.” It was clear she was trying to downplay her abilities so I wouldn't feel overwhelmed, but it had the opposite effect. Now that I had some context, I could only imagine how powerful she must be.
“That’s amazing, Arielle.”
She smiled, her earlier enthusiasm returning. “Thanks. I’m sure once we start restoring your powers you’ll be surprised by what you can do. It took me years to learn to portal.”
“Really?Years?”
She nodded, looking more impressed with me. “At least five years. So, I’m excited to see what else you’re capable of.”
“Me too.” I smiled back at her. I knew portaling was a high-level skill but hearing it from someone like Arielle made me realize just how advanced it was. “I wish I could portal again. I can’t exactly do anything else worth mentioning.”
“I think that’s because you weren’t allowed to. You’re going somewhere where you have free rein now.”
“That does sound good. And a little nerve wrecking too.”
“I’ll take care of you,” she promised, her expression growing serious. “At least a few good things that may come of this….experiencewith us is learning magic and breaking your memory loop. I can't imagine living with a curse like that for five years.”
I drew a slow breath, my heart clenching. “It’s been awful.”
“Let’s hope we find the ring and it’ll be over soon.”
“I truly hope so.”
